What we’re about
I'm starting this group in order to meet some new friends that are also interested in finishing off their 14er checklists.
I am currently at 41 and have 17 to go. I've done most of them solo but now I'm getting down to the nitty-gritty ones that require a bit more effort and planning and having some 14er experienced friends join me would be most welcome.
A few notes about this group: As the name of the group implies, this group is for those, like myself, that have at least some 14er experience and that intend to complete them all. This is not really a group for "newbies" that are just beginning their 14er adventures. I won't kick anyone out of the group for being a "newbie" so if you are just starting out, please be honest with your organizers. Organizers will have the sole discretion of decision on whether you are capable of joining their events... (I,myself, know I'm not ready for certain hikes and that is why my focus this year is on the Crestone group... so, in other words: challenge yourself but know your skill level before you RSVP or create an event.)
Event organizers: I have the sole discretion about who organizes events. I am very loose about this. I want this to be a networking group for everyone and will grant permission to those who wish to organize events. Again, know your skill level and be prepared to be responsible for "herding the cats"; i.e., getting everyone who RSVPs to your event on the same page and communicating how you pull the event together. I will easily grant permission if you wish to organize an event; especially if it's one I've already done or if it's a weekend hike that my work schedule precludes me from organizing. "Weekend Warriors" are welcome to step up and organize events, as my work schedule precludes me from organizing weekend events. That said, I reiterate that I have the sole discretion on who organizes events. If I decide someone is not living up to their duties as an Event Organizer, I have the power to pull your permissions.
So, to clarify... I want this group to be a networking resource for everyone to find other people to join and support their way to being a "14er Finisher" So... talk to each other, chat, post, find your peeps and then contact me when you wish to create an event! This group is for you to find the help and support you need to get across your own personal finish lines!
And yes, I'll try to organize "celebration events" for those who cross their finish lines!
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14er Risks and Safety info: hiking/climbing 14ers can be dangerous. If you are relatively new to the 14er community, please use the following links to familiarize yourself with risks and safety practices involved...
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Below is my personal checklist...
The 14ers I have left are:
Crestone Peak
Crestone Needle - DONE!
Challenger Point - DONE!
Kit Carson Peak
Blanca Peak
Little Bear Peak
Ellingwood Point
Windom Peak
Mount Eolus
North Eolus
Mount Wilson
Wilson Peak
El Diente Peak
Sunlight Peak
Maroon Peak
North Maroon Peak
Pyramid Peak
Smowmass Peak
Mount Lindsay
Culebra Peak - DONE!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Rosalie Peak via Tanglewood TrailDeer Creek Trailhead, Bailey, CO
First off, I want to, once again, thank each of you that have stepped up to organize hikes. I cannot express my appreciation enough! Thanks to you, this group is becoming what I envisioned it to be!
It is; however, a bit bittersweet that I've had to step back from "leading the way" as I struggle to overcome some more symbolic "mountains" in my life. This has been more than just a physical struggle for me and some quiet reflection through this "valley" as I continue on my journey has been, in it's way, refreshing to my soul.
The Rosedale Peak hike turned out to be more than just a hike. It provided me with the solitude to contemplate quite a lot of things interspersed with a couple of "random encounters" that provided moments of seeming divine intervention. Moments where I was given the choice to "slow down" and enjoy some companionship, conversation and philosophical contemplation on my current journey. It was indeed, a very beautiful day!
Suffice it to say, Yeah, I need much more of that in my life!
The chaos in my life over the last couple of decades have left me quite isolated and alone. Years ago, after completing the entire Sawatch Range almost completely on my own (with a couple of exceptions) have overall done my soul a world of good. The price I've paid is becoming a bit socially awkward and unsure exactly how to re-engage into the world of companionship and friendship.
This is a good place for a shout-out to Orion! Thank you! I don't think I would have ever conquered the "Needle" without you! I'm sure the brutal struggle I've had with that peak after returning from Arizona would have eventually defeated me and ended my 14er journeys. I'm proud to call you a friend and I thank you not only for the help you have been to me but also to the help you have been to getting this group rolling!
This is going to be my first significant challenge this year!
This hike could be the deciding factor on whether I join some of you out there for some 14er action this season... or whether I seek to semi-retire for at least one season to get myself in shape (physically, mentally and spiritually!)
I would appreciate the support of anyone willing to join me on this one. I'll say up front, it is not important to me that I "make it", it is more important to me to just be out there and sharing the moment and knowing I have the support to help me get over not the physical mountain itself but the metaphorical mountains I am currently struggling with.
Thank you for letting me share this with you...
Now... on to the details of this hike:
Length: 10.7 miles RT
Alt. Gain: 4,261 ft.
AllTrails Info: Rosalie Peak via Tanglewood TrailA meeting spot for carpooling will be set up upon request.
Note: This hike is a conditioning hike for future 14er hikes. The distance and alt. gain have been chosen for this purpose. There is also significant scrambling involved to reach the peaks. If you are new to hiking 14ers, it is highly recommended that you do several lower altitude hikes to acclimate yourself. None of the organizers of this group are professional guides (just hikers like yourself) and shall not be held liable for your safety. Your personal safety is your own responsibility! When you RSVP to this hike, you are acknowledging this caution and that you are aware of the hazards of mountain hiking!
- Mount ElbertNeeds location
Join us for a hike up Mount Elbert. Standing at 14,440 feet, Mount Elbert is the tallest mountain in Colorado. This challenging but non-technical hike starts in the forest and climbs steadily above treeline, offering panoramic views from the highest point in the state.
Length: 9.8+ mi (out and back)
Elevation Gain: ~4,400 ft (Starting ~10,040)
Round Trip: ~8 hrsMore info
